Hot in Cleveland: Carrasco dominates again for Tribe

At the beginning of the season, it looked like former top prospect Carlos Carrasco was ticketed for a career as a back-of-the rotation starter, or perhaps a long reliever. However, after pitching very well out of the bullpen for much of the season, Carrasco rejoined the Indians’ rotation on August 10. In eight starts since then, he’s posted a 1.17 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP and 59 strikeouts against seven walks in 54 innings. Carrasco’s Wednesday start – a two-hit shutout over the Astros, in which he struck out 12 batters – was his best one yet.

Here’s an interesting FanGraphs article detailing some of the reasons for Carrasco’s recent success. The 27-year-old Carrasco is owned in just 43.3 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, but he should be grabbed in all formats, and is firmly in the conversation for mixed-league rotation status in 2015.

Dud: A’s closer Sean Doolittle didn’t just blow a save – he gave up five runs to the Rangers in the ninth inning. That’ll hurt a playoff push.

News & notes

Blue Jays SP Marcus Stromanwill appeal the six-game suspension received for throwing near the head of Orioles C Caleb Joseph on Monday. Not to doubt Stroman’s sincerity, but I wonder if he’ll start again over the weekend, drop the appeal and then pitch one more time the following weekend. Against the Orioles, of course.

It sounds like Twins’ closer Glen Perkinsmight get shut down due to some arm issues. Look for Jared Burton to close while Perkins is out.